A 50% salary boost and friends for life. A clearer direction of how to exceed your goals. A way to increase your options post-graduation.
Those reasons, and many more, make up why the Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) has been the golden ticket to prestigious jobs with enviable salaries for a long, long time.
In 2022, a solid 86% of business school graduates landed jobs right after their completing their programme — up from 80% the year before. Even better? The median starting salary for new MBA hires in the US recently hit US$120,000 in 2024, far outpacing what bachelor’s degree holders earn.
But 2025 is bringing a shake-up.
While MBA applications have surged 13.2%, landing a job isn’t as easy as it used to be. The market is tightening, and employers are becoming more selective.
An MBA still holds value, but the game is changing. Graduates will need more than just a degree — they’ll need the right skills, network, and strategy to stand out.
2025’s prediction for MBA job opportunities
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Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang talks to a robot during a keynote session at the SAP Center in San Jose, California, on March 18, 2025. Source: AFP
1. AI is taking the pie in MBA job opportunities
AI is transforming industries, and MBA graduates are not immune. While AI creates new opportunities in areas like data analytics, fintech, and automation strategy, it also threatens traditional management roles.
Consulting firms and financial institutions — longtime top recruiters of MBA graduates — are increasingly using AI for market analysis, financial modelling, and decision-making processes. McKinsey & Company estimates that up to 25% of work activities in finance and insurance could be automated by 2025.
Companies are now looking for MBAs who can navigate this AI-driven landscape. Graduates with strong data literacy, AI knowledge, and adaptability will have an edge. Programmes integrating AI-focused courses, such as AI in business strategy, are becoming more relevant than ever.
2. Other white-collar roles face hiring slowdowns
The slowdown isn’t just affecting MBA graduates — it’s part of a larger trend in white-collar hiring. Tech layoffs have made headlines, but other sectors, including banking, consulting, and corporate management, are also tightening their hiring.
“Employers are hiring more selectively than they did in recent years, often picking candidates with relevant experience over new graduates, according to alumni and career coaches,” says Lindsay Ellis, a reporter at The Wall Street Journal.
This change has led to declining job acceptance rates at top business schools. While the overall slowdown in white-collar hiring plays a role, there’s also growing evidence that companies are pulling back specifically on MBA recruitment.
One major factor is cost. MBA graduates typically command higher salaries, and now, as companies are looking to cut expenses, many are choosing to invest in technology instead. Automation and AI are increasingly seen as more cost-effective than hiring highly paid business professionals.
Even tech giants that once hired MBAs in large numbers — Google, Amazon, and Microsoft — are now focusing on candidates with specialised skills in AI, cybersecurity, and machine learning rather than general business backgrounds.
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Simply holding an MBA is no longer enough. Source: AFP
3. There are more MBA graduates than ever
While job openings may be shrinking, the number of MBA graduates is hitting record highs. In 2023, business school applications surged 13.2%, fueled by economic uncertainty and job seekers looking to upskill.
That means more graduates competing for fewer opportunities.
In response, some companies are raising the bar for hiring MBAs.
Employers now prioritise graduates from top-tier schools or those with highly specialised skills. According to a 2024 GMAC study, only 71% of corporate recruiters plan to hire MBAs — down from 92% in 2019. Instead of general management knowledge, employers prioritise niche expertise, tech skills, and strong soft skills.
This shift mirrors the rise of alternative credentials. Certifications in data analytics, product management, and digital marketing are becoming just as valuable — sometimes even more so — than a traditional MBA.
Simply holding an MBA is no longer enough — you must differentiate yourself through experience, certifications, and industry-specific knowledge to stand out in an increasingly saturated job market.
Easiest MBA jobs to get hired in
The job market for business professionals has become so challenging that even graduates with MBAs from Ivy Leagues, such as Harvard University, are having trouble finding work. The Wall Street Journal reports that 23% of its graduates from last spring were still job hunting three months later.
However, there are still certain sectors that need experts with business acumen, especially in tech, as it is the growing market of this digital generation.
“Jobs definitely still exist, but MBA students should be widening their search to think about new industries, companies, and geographies in order to increase their opportunities,” Rebecca Cook, executive director of career services at Indiana University‘s Kelley School of Business, says. “They should also make sure to highlight any technical skills, experiential opportunities, and really anything that helps showcase that they have developed some of the skills that the potential employer is looking for.”
Not only that, but the right soft skills will place you in better positions as they open up more networking opportunities for you to take advantage of.
Here are some currently in-demand jobs that would befitting of your MBA.
In-demand roles
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One of the biggest MBA job opportunities is for those who can handle international finance. Source: AFP
Being in IT today is probably the easiest sector to get hired in because of its constant development. As an IT manager, you will have the responsibility of conjuring up visions for a company’s technology needs and goals.
An IT manager typically makes an average of US$169,510 per year.
Financial managers oversee the money that goes in and out of a company. Although a competitive market, those who can handle international finance and the increasingly complicated world of financial instruments and securities will be the most marketable to employers.
Financial managers make an average of US$156,100 yearly.
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Yael Garten was a former data scientist for Apple. Source: AFP
Another IT-related job within the MBA job opportunities route is becoming a data scientist. This field requires statistics, quantitative reasoning, and computer programming skills. So, if you are an MBA graduate with this expertise, this job is for you!
Data scientists make an average of US$108,020 yearly.
A personal financial advisor/consultant helps plan a comfortable financial future for their clients face-to-face and is also called upon when the unexpected occurs.
Financial consultants make an average of US$99,580 yearly.
Portfolio managers are investment decision-makers. They develop and implement investment strategies and processes to meet client goals and manage portfolios.
The average starting salary of portfolio managers can go up to US$20,672.
In-demand industries
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Cloud-based technology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are emerging technologies — many great MBA job opportunities are found here. Source: AFP
As technological advancements like cloud-based technology, AI, and machine learning are the “in” thing, the tech industry eagerly seeks MBA graduates who can lead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Consulting remains a lucrative field as both large and start-up companies value the strategic insights that an MBA graduate brings.
- Sustainability and renewable energy
Driven by the global push towards environmental responsibility, more businesses are demanding talent who can innovate and generate ideas and strategies around renewable energy and sustainability.
With the rise of biotechnology, nanomedicine, and other emerging advancements, the healthcare industry creates new areas for MBA professionals to explore.
Best countries with MBA job opportunities
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Switzerland has MBA job opportunities with the highest pay. Source: AFP
Highest-paying countries for MBA graduates
Disclaimer: The stats below were sourced from QS’s top 10 countries for MBA salary levels.
- Switzerland: US$123,500
- UK: US$122,900
- Australia: US$116,200
- Italy: US$111,800
- Canada: US$111,100
- Japan: US$106,600
- Singapore: US$105,300
- US: US$102,100
- France: US$98,500
- Germany: US$94,100
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Lesser-known places like Dubai have MBA job opportunities that pay well. Source: AFP
Less popular countries that have a high demand for MBA graduates
- UAE
Abu Dhabi and Dubai are major business hubs in the Middle East with high demands for professionals with skills in global business operations, marketing, and trade relations.
- Netherlands
Many European headquarters like Netflix and Booking.com are located in the Netherlands, making it a good place for MBA job opportunities.
- Switzerland
Known for its banking services, international business graduates with a financial edge will have an advantage here.
- Portugal
Since its financial crisis in 2008, Portugal has shown a remarkable economic comeback, with more than 81,000 companies registered.
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